Hudson Valley police, school districts talk safety ahead of upcoming school year

School safety is on the front of parents’ minds in the wake of a deadly shooting at a school in Minnesota.

Melanie Palmer

Aug 28, 2025, 2:17 AM

Updated 4 hr ago

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It’s a busy week for parents all over the Hudson Valley.
They’re getting their children ready for the first day of school, but one important issue is on their minds - safety.
It follows a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis Wednesday that left two children dead.
“It is very disheartening to hear what happened," says Westchester County mom Madeena.
Even though the tragedy unfolded more than 1,000 miles away and there is no current reported threats locally, school leaders and police in the Hudson Valley are taking precautions.
“Because this happened so close to the beginning of our school year, we will have an enhanced package," says White Plains Public Safety Commissioner David Chong.
Commissioner Chong says that means very heavy visibility both in and out of schools all over the city.
In Rockland County, Clarkstown police are also stepping up patrols.
Over in Yonkers, school leaders say there are many safety measures in place.
“Every one of our school building leaders are trained, our public safety officers as well to take all the necessary safety measures," says Dr. Frank O. Hernández, associate superintendent with Yonkers Public Schools.